Food grain imports from Ukraine is most convenient for Moldova

The most convenient imports of food grain for Moldova will be those from the Ukraine, as on the latter’s market the wheat is sold for 240-245 US dollars/tonne, Minister of Economy and Trade Igor Dodon stated at the last meeting of the Government Commission for Emergencies. He said the external market knows at present a slight increase in the wheat price, caused including by the international tenders announced by Egypt and Iraq for buying 200 thousand tonnes of food wheat. On average wheat prices in Chicago and Paris are set at 260 and 280 US dollars a tonne, respectively. In Russia, wheat is being sold for 230-240 US dollars/tonne. But the problem as regards imports from Ukraine is that the neighbouring country has banned wheat exports, Dodon explained. According to him, it is very important that until the international tender announced by the Government takes place on September 7 to get the Ukraine’s go for exports at more convenient prices, taking into account Moldova’s situation caused by drought. Premier Vasile Tarlev stated that he personally held talks with the Ukrainian ambassador, as well as with officials in the Ukrainian Government, so that Moldova is granted special terms for wheat export. He suggested that the procedure could be finalised by the Moldovan-Ukrainian Joint Commission. The Premier also requested the Minister of Economy and Trade not to announce at the meeting of the Commission for Emergencies the wheat prices in one or the other country, but only to give out the information on the structure of price forming. He also asked Government officials to strictly monitor the situation on the regional and international market as regards wheat prices and to undertake measures for buying and bringing into the country the best and the cheapest wheat.